Restricted Growth Association

The Restricted Growth Association (RGA) is a voluntary, non-profit, self-help organization that was established in the United Kingdom in 1970. The association, which currently consists of approximately 680 members and eight regional chapters, is dedicated to providing information, support, and resources to individuals affected by restricted growth and their families and reducing social barriers that may prevent affected individuals’ full participation and fulfillment in society. Restricted growth or “short stature” may occur due to many different underlying disorders, syndromes, or other factors. As a result, restricted growth may take many different forms, and affected individuals’ height and other potentially associated symptoms and physical features may vary greatly. The Restricted Growth Association firmly believes that, in common with all of humanity, every person of restricted growth is an individual with unique abilities, emotions, and ambitions that must be encouraged to unfold to the maximum benefit of that individual. The association is committed to enhancing the role of affected individuals in society; providing support to families with newborns affected by restricted growth; offering fellowship, mutual support, and encouragement to affected individuals and their families; and furthering affected individuals’ self-fulfillment and independence. The Restricted Growth Association promotes research into restricted growth disorders and conditions, conducts social events and mutual interest groups both regionally and nationally, and maintains close links with sister organizations internationally. In addition, the association also offers peer phone support for affected individuals and family members; provides educational materials on disorders responsible for restricted growth, genetics, orthopedics, treatment, and other areas; and offers practical information and support to affected individuals and parents concerning such milestones as starting school, going to college, and entering the work force. The Restricted Growth Association also provides practical help concerning suitable children’s toys, sources of clothing and shoes, clothes exchanges, adaptation and manufacture of furniture and fittings, reaching aids, car modifications and additional mobility assistance, and grants and benefits. The association’s educational materials include a quarterly newsletter, pamphlets, and booklets including “The Layman’s Guide to Restricted Growth” and “Coping with Restricted Growth.”